Exercise apparatus, system and associated method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus ( 10 ) for exercise in which a user strikes the apparatus ( 10 ), the apparatus ( 10 ) including: a body ( 12 ) and a sensor assembly ( 16 ) located at least partially within the body ( 12 ); wherein the sensor assembly ( 16 ) includes pressure sensor ( 18 ) having a fluid filled housing ( 95 ) with a flexible surface ( 93 ), the sensor assembly ( 16 ) being configured to generate an impact signal associated with deflection of the flexible surface ( 93 ) of the pressure sensor ( 18 ), and wherein the flexible surface ( 93 ) of the pressure sensor ( 18 ) is positioned relative to a striking portion ( 14 ) of the body ( 12 ) such that impacting the striking portion ( 14 ) of the body ( 12 ) deflects the flexible surface of the pressure sensor ( 18 ) thereby generating the impact signal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Australian patent application no. 2013200783 filed on 14 Feb. 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an exercise apparatus, system and associated method of using an exercise apparatus or system. More specifically, the invention relates to a boxing or martial arts apparatus, system and associated method of exercise.

BACKGROUND

When conducting exercise or training involving exercise it is desirable to count the number of actions that the individual undertaking the exercise is making For example, for jogging or running there are a number of devices available which record the number of steps that an individual exercising takes. This allows the runner or a trainer to assess the quantity and/or intensity of the exercise and even calculate the overall distance which has been travelled.

In boxing, martial arts or circuit training the individual exercising often strikes a punching or impact bag. Often, the number of strike impacts are in a rapid succession and are directed at a variety of locations on the bag. Traditionally, an observer or trainer observing the individual exercising may count the number of strikes which the individual exercising has delivered to the bag. However, due to the rapid succession of strikes the observer or trainer often has difficulty counting the number of strikes and errors may be made. In addition, the individual exercising may wish to do so without the presence of an observer or trainer and therefore may not be able to record the number of strikes which have been made.

To count the number of strikes on a boxing bag, electronic boxing bags have been developed which include sensors to record the impact strikes on the boxing bag. One such boxing apparatus includes a boxing bag body with a senor of located within the boxing bag body. When a user impacts the boxing bag body, by striking the boxing bag body, the sensor produces a signal which may be recorded via a recording unit to count the number of strikes on the boxing apparatus.

A problem with these known boxing apparatus is that the sensor configuration may be unreliable and/or not have the longevity to withstand repeated impacts of a boxer.

Another problem with these boxing apparatus is that the sensor configuration may not be suitable for or be able to accurately record strikes at a variety of locations on the boxing apparatus and/or the sensor may give false readings.

The invention disclosed herein seeks to address the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

In a first main aspect there is provided, an apparatus for exercise in which a user strikes the apparatus, the apparatus including: a body and a sensor assembly located at least partially within the body; wherein the sensor assembly includes bellow having a fluid filled housing with a substantially domed shaped flexible surface, the sensor assembly being configured to generate an impact signal associated with deflection of the flexible surface of the bellow, and wherein the flexible surface of the bellow is positioned relative to a striking portion of the body such that impacting the striking portion of the body deflects the flexible surface of the bellow thereby generating the impact signal.

In one aspect, the striking portion of the body includes an aperture and the flexible surface of the bellow is positioned substantially within the aperture.

In another aspect, the striking portion includes a striking surface surrounding the aperture and the flexible surface of the bellow is substantially aligned with the striking surface of the striking portion.

In another aspect, at least a portion of the flexible surface of the bellow protrudes from the striking surface of the striking portion.

In another aspect, the apparatus includes a cover, the cover being arranged to span the aperture with the bellow located beneath the cover.

In another aspect, the cover includes a pocket which is arranged to align with and span the aperture, the pocket being shaped to receive at least a portion of the flexible surface of the bellow.

In another aspect, the body includes a core assembly which supports the striking portion and the bellow.

In another aspect, the striking portion has a thickness with is substantially equal to the thickness of the bellow.

In another aspect, the core assembly includes a sponge assembly and a support layer fitted between the bellow and the sponge assembly, the support layer being having increased resilience relative to the sponge assembly.

In another aspect, the support layer is formed from a neoprene material.

In another aspect, the sensor assembly includes a pressure switch in fluid communication with the bellow, the pressure switch being configured to provide the impact signal.

In another aspect, the pressure switch is configured for communication with a recording unit to record the impact signal.

In another aspect, the apparatus includes the recording unit and the recording unit is electrically connected with the pressure switch.

In another aspect, the recording unit includes at least one of a display and an alarm configured to indicate when the impact sign signal has been received.

In another aspect, the recording unit includes a computing device in communication with at least one of the display and alarm.

In another aspect, the recording unit includes at least one user input in communication with the computing device.

In another aspect, the apparatus includes at least two bellows, the at least two of the bellows positioned at least partially within the striking portion of the body, the at least two bellows being associated with at least two pressure switches so as to enable the recording unit to independently record impact signals associated with each of the at least two bellows.

In another aspect, the apparatus includes at least two pairs of bellows, the at least two pairs of the bellows are positioned at least partially within the striking portion of the body, wherein each of the at least two pairs bellows is associated with a respective at least two pressure switches so as to enable the recording unit to independently record impact signals associated with each of the at least two pairs of bellows.

In another aspect, one of the least two pairs of the bellows is positioned above the other of the at least two pairs of the bellows.

In second main aspect there is provided, an exercise system including a body adapted to receive a strike and a control unit configured to record impact of the strike, wherein the body includes a sensor assembly having a bellow in communication with a pressure switch, and the control unit is configured to communicate with the pressure switch, wherein the bellow includes a fluid filled housing with a resilient surface, and wherein the resilient surface is substantially dome shaped and is positioned within a striking portion of the body such that impact of the strike on the striking portion deflects the resilient surface so as to generate an impact signal from the pressure switch which is recordable by the control unit.

In one aspect, the apparatus includes at least two bellows, the at least two bellows being positioned at least partially within the striking portion of the body, the at least two bellows being associated with at least two corresponding pressure switches so as to enable the control unit to independently record impact signals associated with each of the at least two bellows.

In another aspect, the control unit includes a user interface having a display, the control unit being configured to indicate on the display a number of impact signals received from each of the at least two bellows.

In another aspect, the control unit is configured to determine a total number of impact signals and indicate on the total number of impact signal on the display.

In another aspect, the control unit is configured to display a time period and display the total number of impact signals received over the time period.

In another aspect, the user interface includes an input which is configured to allow input of a predetermined time period, and wherein the control unit is configured to count and display the number of impacts signal received over the predetermined time period.

In another aspect, the control unit includes a computing device having a processor and memory.

In another aspect, the computing device is at least one of a programmable logic module, a hand held computing device or a remote computing device in communication with the pressure switch.

In a third main aspect there is provided, a method of exercise using a system having an impact receiving body and a recording unit for counting the number of strikes impacted on the body, the method including the following steps: a user striking the apparatus within a strike portion of the body so as to deflect a substantially dome shaped resilient surface of a bellow located within the strike portion; providing an impact signal to the control unit, the impact signal being provided by a pressure switch which is configured to generate the impact signal when the surface of the bellow is deflected; counting the received impact signals, the control unit being configured to determine a number of received impact signals and output a first tally to a display in communication with the control unit.

In one aspect, the method further includes the steps of: Actuating a user interface to provide a user input, the control unit being configured to receive the user input, and wherein the user input includes a selection of at least one of a time period, a number of impacts and a pre-determined routine.

In another aspect, the pre-determine routine includes a series of exercise periods and rest periods, and wherein the recording unit is configured to indicate the exercise period and rest period to the user via at least one of the display and an alarm.

In another aspect, the striking portion of the body include an upper bellow and a lower bellow, and wherein the method includes the steps of: a user striking the striking portion so as to deflect the surfaces of at least one of the upper bellow and lower bellow, the upper and lower bellows being in communication with respective pressure switches so as to provide impacts signals associated with each of the upper and lower bellows; counting, via the recoding unit, impacts signal associated with the upper sensor to provide a second tally and counting impacts signal associated with the upper sensor to provide a third tally.

In a fourth main aspect there is provided, a method of operation of a system having a strike receiving body and a computer device for counting the number of strikes impacted on the apparatus, the computer device being configured to undertake the following steps: monitoring a pressure switch for an impact signal, the impact signal being generated from a bellow which includes deflectable substantially dome shaped surface positioned within a strike portion of the body such that the pressure switch generates the impact signal when the deflectable surface is deflected by a user impacting the striking portion; receiving the impact signal and determining a first tally of the total number of impact signals received; displaying the first tally, via a display in communication with the computer device.

In one aspect, the method further includes the steps of: initiating a pre-determine routine stored on a memory device in communication with the computer device, the pre-determined routine including a series of exercise time periods and rest time periods, wherein the computer device is configured to record the impact signals received during each of the exercise time periods and provide a second tally of the number of impact signal received during each of the exercise time periods.

In another aspect, the striking portion of the body includes an upper bellow and a lower bellow in communication with respective pressure switches, and wherein the method includes the steps of: receiving, via the computer device, impact signals impacts signals associated with each of the upper and lower bellows; displaying, on the display, a third tally of the impacts signal associated with the lower bellow and a fourth tally associated with the upper bellow.

In another aspect, the method includes the steps of: determining, in the computer device, the first tally by adding the third tally and to the fourth tally.

In another aspect, the method includes the steps of: storing, via a memory device of the computing device, exercise data including at least the first tally.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus in an assembled condition;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a body of the apparatus with a cover removed;

FIG. 3 is a top view showing the body of the apparatus with the cover removed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded parts view of the body of the apparatus showing a strike portion, a sensor assembly and the sponge assembly;

FIG. 5 is a side exploded parts view of the body of the apparatus showing a strike portion, a sensor assembly and the sponge assembly;

FIG. 6 is a top exploded parts view of the body of the apparatus showing a strike portion, a sensor assembly and the sponge assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded parts view of the sponge assembly and a frame;

FIG. 8 is a side exploded parts view of the sponge assembly and the frame;

FIG. 9 is a top exploded parts view of the sponge assembly and the frame;

FIG. 10 a is a side view of a pressure sensor;

FIG. 10 b is another side view of the pressure sensor;

FIG. 10 c is a top view of the pressure sensor;

FIG. 10 d is a perspective side view of the pressure sensor;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the apparatus with the cover removed to show the configuration of the pressure sensors;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the apparatus with the cover removed to show the configuration of the pressure sensors;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the apparatus with the cover removed to show the configuration of the pressure sensors;

FIG. 14 is a top view of part of the sensor assembly showing the pressure sensor connected to a pressure switch by a conduit and T-piece arrangement;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of part of the sensor assembly showing the pressure sensor connected to the pressure switch by the conduit and the T-piece arrangement;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the control or recording unit; and

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of a system including the pressure sensor and the control or recording unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown an apparatus 10 for exercise in which a user, such as a boxer or martial artist, strikes the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 including: a body 12 having a striking portion 14 and a sensor assembly 16 located at least partially within the body 12. The sensor assembly 16 includes a series of pressure sensors 18 which may be communicated with a recording or control unit 20 for recording or counting strike impacts of the user on the striking portion 14.

The body 12 includes a top 40, a bottom 42 and opposing sides 46, 48. The body 12 includes a rear side 38 which is mounted with a frame 29, in use, to a wall or other supporting structure (not shown), and a front side 25 which at least partially incorporates the striking portion 14 which is impacted upon during use.

As shown best in FIG. 2, the body 12 includes a core assembly 22 formed substantially from an impact absorbing material such as a sponge or foam material, and a cover 24 which fits substantially over the core assembly 22 of the body 12.

The striking portion 14 may be considered as an outer part of the core assembly 22 and may include the part of the underlying core assembly 22 in which the pressure sensors 18 are located so as to be impacted by strikes of the user during use. The striking portion 14 may also be considered to include an impacted portion of the cover 24 beneath which the sensors 18 are located. In this example, the cover 24 is shown as being removable. However, in other examples, the cover 24 may be integrally formed with the underlying core assembly 22 and therefore simply be an outer layer or skin of the core assembly 22.

The striking portion 14 includes apertures or cut-outs 30 in which the pressure sensors 18 are located. The striking portion 14 includes a central section 32 which is aligned generally parallel with a wall (not shown) to which the apparatus 10 may be supported, and angled sections 34, 36 which extend from opposing sides of the central section 32. The angled sections 34, 36 are angled back toward the rear side 38 of the body 12. The angle of the angled sections 34, 36 may be in the range of about 30° to about 60° relative to the central section 32.

The pressure sensor 18 is provided as a series or plurality of pressure sensors 18 and in this example there are a total of six pressure sensors 18. Each of the central section 32 and angled sections 34, 36 include an upper set of pressure sensors 44 located toward a top 40 of the body 12 and a lower set of pressure sensors 45 located beneath and spaced apart from the upper pressure sensors 44. The central section 32 and angled sections 34, 36 include a total of six upper and lower corresponding cut-outs 30 which are arranged to at least partially receive each of the series of pressure sensors 18.

In this example, the cover 24 is shaped to fit over the striking portion 14 and includes corresponding central sections 54 and angled sections 56, 58. Each of the central sections 54 and angled sections 56, 58 of the cover 24 also includes strike sections or targets 60 which are correspondingly arranged so as to be located over each of the pressure sensors 18 fitted within the cutouts 30 of the strike portion 14.

The cover 24 includes a series of flaps 62 which extend from a rear perimeter 64 of the cover 24. The flaps 62 are arranged to extend over and around the rear side 50 of the core assembly 22 to releasably secure the cover 24 to the core assembly 22.

The targets 60 may be configured to protrude slightly from the surrounding surface 63 of the cover 24 such that the series of pressure sensors 18 may be at least partially received by the targets 60 of the cover 60. In this configuration, the targets 60 may be considered to provide pockets 65 in which the pressure sensors 18 may be at least partially received.

This may be achieved by using a different material for the targets 60 in comparison to the remainder of the surrounding surface 63 of the cover 24 and providing the targets 60 with sufficient material so as to be able to form the pocket 65 recesses to at least partially receive a respective one of the series of pressure sensors 18.

The cover 24 may be formed from a leather material with a series of cutouts (not shown) for the targets 60. A further leather material, for example, a different coloured and sized, leather material may then be attached over the cutouts so as to provide the targets 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 6, the internal construction of the apparatus 10 is shown in more detail. It is noted in this figure the cover 24 is not shown and the cutouts or apertures 30 of the striking portion 14 are shown with the series of sensors 18 being removed.

In this example, the striking portion 14 is a 10mm thick foam or sponge material which has been cut to size and in which the apertures or cutouts 30 have been formed. The sensor assembly 16 is shown as including a plurality of conduits 70 which are connected to the each of the pressure sensors 18. The conduits 70 are interconnected by T-junctions 72 to pressure switches 74.

The upper set of pressure sensors 44 are attached in common to one of the pressure switch is 74 and the lower set of pressure sensors 45 are connected in common to the other of the pressure switches 74. This allows the apparatus 10 to distinguish between strikes received on the upper series of pressure sensors 44 and the lower series of pressure sensors 45. In the context of training, this can be used to distinguish between, for example upper body or head strikes, and lower body strikes.

The core assembly 22 of the body 12 further includes a supporting layer 71 supported by a foam or sponge assembly 76 which is in turn supported by a backing panel 78. The backing panel 78 is secured to the frame 29 which supports the apparatus 10 in use.

The support layer 71 is in used fitted to the foam or sponge assembly 76 so as to form a foundation or base on which the series of sensors 18 are supported when the apparatus 10 is in the assembled condition is shown in FIG. 1.

More specifically, the supporting layer 71 is formed from a resilient material such that when the series of pressure sensors 18 are impacted the resilient material 71 inhibits or restrains the pressure sensors from moving backwardly into the sponge or foam material of the sponge assembly 76.

In particular, the support layer 71 allows the pressure sensor 18 to receive the impact of the strike with sufficient force to record the strike. If support layer 71 is not sufficiently resilient, then the pressure sensors 18 may simply be pressed into the sponge assembly 76 and the pressure sensors 18 may not be sufficiently compressed to provide enough pressure at the pressure switch 74 to generate the impact signal to record the strike.

In this example, the support layer 71 is formed from a resilient material being approximately 3 mm to 5 mm thick neoprene. However, the support layer 71 may be any suitable material which is placed over the sponge or foam material of the sponge assembly 76 which provides a supporting foundation to the rear surface of the series of pressure sensors 18. The resilient material 71 includes a series of slits 80 through which the conduits 70 may be received or placed. It is noted, in this example, the resilient material is shown as being a different material to the foam or sponge material of the sponge assembly 76. However, in some examples, the resilient support layer 71 may be formed integrally with the sponge assembly 76, for example as an integrally formed outer layer, to achieve the same overall purpose of providing a supporting foundation to the series of pressure sensors 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 9, the sponge assembly 76 is shown in more detail and includes a main large foam block 81 having cutouts 82 on the back upper and lower edges. Smaller supporting foam blocks 84 are fitted within the cutouts 82 so as to at least partially occupy the cutouts 82. This arrangement provides space for the pressure sensor assembly 16.

A substantially rectangular sponge sheet 86 is fitted to a backside of the foam blocks 81, 84 and the sponge sheet 86 is in turn supported or fitted over the support panel 78 which is this example is provided in the form of a plywood panel. In this example, the main large foam block 81 is cut to size from a larger rectangular foam block, the smaller foam blocks 84 are 70 mm thick foam blocks having a plan form size of 60 mm by 130 mm, the rectangular sponge sheet 86 has a thickness of 10 mm with a plan form size of 380 mm by 580 mm, and the support panel 88 is a 12 mm timber plywood panel having a plan form size of 380 mm by 580 mm. The foam blocks 81, sponge sheet 86 and support panel 78 may be secured together using a suitable glue.

The support panel 78 is connected or coupled with the frame 29. The frame includes a series of vertical frame members 92 which are coupled with a series of horizontal frame members 94. The control or recording unit 20 is connected to an between a top end of the vertical frame members 92 and the horizontal frame members 94 include apertures 83 to allow the apparatus 10, when assembled, to be coupled or connected to an external structure such as a wall or a further support stand.

Referring to FIGS. 10 a to 10 d, the pressure sensor 18 is shown in more detail and is provided in the form of an air bellow 19. The bellow 19 includes a base or backing 91 and a flexible surface or skin 93 which defines a fluid filled housing 95. The base 91 is circular in plan form shape and the flexible surface forms a hemispherical dome shape over the fluid filled housing 95. The fluid within the housing 95 may be air or another suitable compressible fluid.

When the bellow 19 is impacted, the flexible service 93 is depressed or deflected inwardly which urges the fluid within the housing 95 out of the housing 95 and into the conduits 70. This forces air along the conduits 70 to the switch 74 which generates an impact signal which is in turn converted to an electrical signal so as to be receivable by the control or recording unit 20. When the impact is removed from the flexible surface 93 of the below 19, the flexible surface 93 returns to its original hemispherical dome shaped ready for the next impact.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 to 13, the apparatus 10 is shown with the cover 24 removed. From these figures the layout and configuration of the pressure sensors 18 in the form of bellows 19 can be more clearly appreciated. In particular, the bellows 19 are fittingly received within the cutouts 30 of the striking portion 14 such that the flexible surface 93 of the bellows 19 is substantially aligned with or proximate to a striking surface 28 of the striking portion 14. More specifically, in this example, the flexible surfaces 93 of the bellows 19 extend or protrude slightly beyond the striking surface 28 of the striking portion 14. Accordingly, when the cover 24 is fitted over the striking portion 14, the flexible surfaces 93 of the bellows 19 extend into and are at least partially received by the pockets 65 of the targets 60 of the cover 24.

In other examples, the flexible surface 93 of the bellows 19 may be substantially aligned with the striking surface 28 of the striking portion 14. Alternatively, the flexible surface 93 of the bellows 19 may be slightly recessed within the cutouts 30. It is noted that the thickness of the striking portions 14 is similar to overall thickness of the bellows 19. In all cases, the positioning of the flexible surfaces 93 of the bellows 19 relative the striking surface 28 of the striking portion 14 should be such that impacts on the targets 60 are able to deflect flexible surface 93 of the bellows 19 so as to ultimately generate the impact signal for recording by the recording or control unit 20. In this example, the bellows 19 have a diameter in the range of about 10 cm to 15 cm so as to be about the same size as a first of a user impacting the below 19.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 14 and 15, the pressure sensor 18 in the form of the bellow 19 is connected via the conduit 70 to the T-junction 72. Further conduits 70 then connect the T-junction 72 to the pressure switch 74 which is configured to generate an electrical impact signal when the air bellow 19 is impacted due to a strike of a user. The pressure switch 74 includes a set of electrical contacts which are electrically connected to the recording unit 20. Accordingly, when the impact electrical signal is generated from the pressure switch 74 the recording unit receives a corresponding input signal which is then recorded by the recording unit 20 and may be displayed as is further described below. In this example the conduits 70 may be in the form of 4 mm air tubes and the pressure switches 74 may be in the form of pneumatic latching switches.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the recording unit 20 is shown in more detail. In this example, the recording unit 20 may be provided in the form of a programmable electronic recording module or computer 100 located within a housing 101. The housing 101 supports a user interface 107 having a digital display 102 and user interface buttons 104. The digital display 102 and user interface buttons 104 in communication with the electronic recording module or computer 100. A power supply 109, preferably a 240 volt to 12 volt adaptor style, is used to power the recording unit 20.

The digital display 102 is visibly mounted above the body 12 of the apparatus 10. The user interface buttons 104 may be utilised by the user to select different fitness programs or reset the electronic recording module or computer 100 as is further detailed below.

The housing 101 is secured to the frame 29 above and independently of the body 12 of the apparatus 10. This ensures that the electronic recording module or computer 100 is not subject to significant vibration or impacts which may occur with the user striking the body 12 of the apparatus 10. It is noted that whilst in this example the electronic recording module or computer 100 is shown as being physically located with the apparatus 10, the electronic recording module 100 may be located remotely to the apparatus 10.

For example, the output impact signals from the pressure switches 74 may be communicated with a communication module (not shown) such as a blue-tooth or WiFi transmitter assembly and this communication module may communicate the signals to a remotely located recording module or computer 100. Furthermore, the recording module 100 may be any suitable device for example, a mobile or smart phone, a hand held or tablet computer, a standard desktop computer or other computing device which is capable of recording and displaying information such as a received signal and an associated elapsed time.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the programmable electronic recording module or computing device 100 includes a processor 106 in communication with a memory device 108. The processor 106 is configured for communication with the digital display 102 via an output 111 and is in communication with the user interface buttons 104 and the pressure switch 74 via input 113.

The electronic recording module or computing device 100 may be configured by a computer program which is stored in the memory device 108 and executed by the processor 106. The computer program may configure the module or computing device 100, more specifically the processor 106, to undertake various tasks such as recording, counting and calculating the impact signals communicated to the module or computing device 100 from the pressure sensor assembly 16.

The computer program may also configure the module or computing device 100 to undertake a number of different timing routines whereby the number of impact signals received in a particular time period are recorded. The number of impact signals received may be displayed via the display 102. Preferably, these impact signals are displayed on the display 102 in real time alongside a time measure such as elapsed time or total time.

The display 102 is preferably configured to display a total number of impact signals received as well as showing a separate number of impact signals received from each of the upper pressure sensors 44, upper body or head shots, and the lower pressure sensors 45, lower body shots. This allows varying programs to be developed which may require a different number of lower body shots to upper body shots. As will be further discussed below.

The programmable electronic recording module or computing device 100 may also include an audible alarm 110 in communication with the computing device 100. The alarm may be used to, for example to indicate a successful strike or to indicate a particular time or stage within an exercise routine, as is further described below, has been reached. For example, an alarm may sound at the start and the end of a time routine.

The programmable electronic recording module or computing device 100 may be pre-programmed with a number of exercise routines. In this example, the user (which may be a trainer) selects a program which is to be undertaken. For example, the module or computer 100 may be pre-programmed to undertake six, thirty second rounds with, for example 15, 30, 45 or 60 second rest periods between each rounds.

The programmable electronic recording module or computer 100 may be configured to display, via the display 102, information about the exercise routines such as the length of exercise periods, rest periods and overall session length. The module or computer 100 may also be configured to enable a user to select, for example, by toggling between the different exercise routines displayed on the display 104 using the buttons 104 to make a selection of a particular exercise routine. The exercise routine may be a preset interval training routine with exercise periods and rest periods as is further described below.

To begin the pre-programmed routine, the user actuates a respective one the buttons 104 to select the desired pre-programmed routine. The user may then actuate another one of the input buttons 104 to initiate or start the routine. For example the user may select a 2 minute routine having three rounds or stages: (1) 60 seconds of impacting the lower targets 60 so as to trigger the lower pressure sensors 45; (2) 15 seconds rest; and (3) 45 seconds of impacting the upper targets 60 so as to trigger the upper pressure sensors 44.

In some cases the alarm may sound to indicate the beginning of the routine. The user then impacts the impacting portion 14, in particular, the targets 60 to generate impact signals. Each time an impact signal is received by the programmable unit 100 or computer, the display 102 shows the total number or tally of impact signals received, the display 102 also displays the number of upper body shots received by the upper sensors 44 and the lower sensors 45. Number of the round, for example the test “ROUND 1” may be displayed and the elapsed time may also be displayed.

The user may continue to impact the targets 60 of the impact portion 14 until, for example, the display 102 or the alarm 11 indicates that the first round is complete. The user may then enter stage 2 or round 2 which may be a rest period for the 15 seconds. At the end of the rest period, the display 102 or alarm 110 may then indicate to the user to begin stage 3 or round 3. The user then begins impacting striking portion of the 14. Once stage 3 or round 3, the final round in the example, is complete the display 102 or the alarm 11 indicates completing of the exercise.

The module or computing device 100 may store exercise data including the total number or tally of impact signal received from all of the sensors 18 and may also be configured to perform processing, via the processor 106, such as performing calculations or data operation to categorise these impact signals according to the round and which sensor 18 received the impact, for example, a tally of the impacts received by the upper sensors 44 or the lower sensors 45.

Accordingly, the exercise data may include impact signal data, round data, time data, and sensor identification data. This exercise data may be stored on the memory device 108 and/or displayed in real time on the display 102. The exercise data may be stored on the memory device 108 and then retrieved at a later time, transmitted to another device such as a mobile phone, for viewing or displayed at a later time on the display 102. When stored the exercise data may form part of a historical exercise data record. The user (or a trainer) may then use the historical exercise data record to analyse or compare the progress of the user over time. An example of the date is shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Example Exercise data Time Pe- Body Shot Im- Head Shot Im- Total Im- Round riod (s) pacts Tally pacts Tally pacts Tally 1 - Exercise 60 45 5 50 2 - Rest 15 0 0 0 3 - Exercise 45 0 55 55 Total 120 45 60 105

The above sequence is just one example and the sequence of exercise and rest periods may continue in a variety of sequences. For example, the rest periods may become longer toward the end of the routine to provide the user with longer recovery time. In other examples, the exercise routines may require body shots on the lower pressure sensors 45 for one time period, say 30 seconds, and then upper body shots on the upper pressure sensors 44 for another time period, say 30 seconds or even a required number of upper and lower body shots over a particular time period or round.

Advantageously, there has been described herein an apparatus for exercise, in particular recording or counting a strike impact during boxing or martial arts, which is able to accurately record or count the number of strikes impacts from a user over a particular time period.

The configuration of the apparatus including a plurality of pressure sensors which are provided in the form of air bellows located within a striking portion of a body of the apparatus. This arrangement provides a robust sensing arrangement to record or count the impact strikes of the user on the striking portion. The location of the air bellows within the striking portion is indicated by a number of targets which cover the air bellows and clearly indicate to the user where the air bellows are located so that the user can direct their strike accordingly.

Further advantageously, the apparatus may be included within a system having an electronic control module or computer which is in communication with each of the air bellows via a pressure switch. The electronic control module or computer may be preprogrammed to record and display the impact signal is received from the pressure switch. In particular, the electronic control module may be preprogrammed with a number of exercise routines such as interval training routines which guide a user through a series of pre-determined exercise routines over a particular time period. The electronic control module may display exercise data such as time period and the number of impact signals received in real time and/or record and store the exercise data for analysis or display at a later time.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein. 

1. An apparatus for exercise in which a user strikes the apparatus, the apparatus including a body and a sensor assembly located at least partially within the body, wherein the sensor assembly includes a bellow having a fluid filled housing with a substantially dome shaped flexible surface, the sensor assembly being configured to generate an impact signal associated with deflection of the flexible surface of the bellow, and wherein the flexible surface of the bellow is positioned relative to a striking portion of the body such that impacting the striking portion of the body deflects the flexible surface of the bellow thereby generating the impact signal.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the striking portion of the body includes an aperture and the flexible surface of the bellow is positioned substantially within the aperture.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the striking portion includes a striking surface surrounding the aperture and the flexible surface of the bellow is substantially aligned with the striking surface of the striking portion.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the flexible surface of the bellow protrudes from the striking surface of the striking portion.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus includes a cover, the cover being arranged to span the aperture with the bellow located beneath the cover.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cover includes a pocket which is arranged to align with and span the aperture, the pocket being shaped to receive at least a portion of the flexible surface of the bellow.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the body includes a core assembly which supports the striking portion and the bellow.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly includes a pressure switch in fluid communication with the bellow, the pressure switch being configured to provide the impact signal.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pressure switch is configured for communication with a recording unit to record the impact signal.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the recording unit includes at least one of a display and an alarm configured to indicate when the impact signal has been received.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus includes at least two bellows, the at least two bellows positioned at least partially within the striking portion of the body, the at least two bellows being associated with at least two pressure switches so as to enable the recording unit to independently record impact signals associated with each of the at least two bellows.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus includes at least two pairs of bellows, the at least two pairs of bellows are positioned at least partially within the striking portion of the body, wherein each of the at least two pairs of bellows is associated with respective pressure switches so as to enable the recording unit to independently record impact signals associated with each of the at least two pairs of pressure sensors.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein one of the least two pairs of bellows is positioned above the other of the at least two pairs of bellows.
 20. An exercise system including a body adapted to receive a strike and a control unit configured to record impact of the strike, wherein the body includes a sensor assembly having a bellow in communication with a pressure switch, and the control unit is configured to communicate with the pressure switch, wherein the bellow includes a fluid filled housing with a resilient surface, and wherein the resilient surface is substantially dome shaped and is positioned within a striking portion of the body such that impact of the strike on the striking portion deflects the resilient surface so as to generate an impact signal from the pressure switch which is recordable by the control unit.
 21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the apparatus includes at least two bellows, the at least two of the bellows being positioned at least partially within the striking portion of the body, the at least two bellows being associated with at least two corresponding pressure switches so as to enable the control unit to independently record impact signals associated with each of the at least two bellows.
 22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the control unit includes a user interface having a display, the -control unit being configured to indicate on the display a number of impact signals received from each of the at least two bellows.
 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the control unit is configured to determine a total number of impact signals and indicate on the total number of impact signal on the display.
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. (canceled)
 28. A method of exercise using a system having an impact receiving body and a recording unit for counting the number of strikes impacted on the body, the method including: striking the apparatus within a strike portion of the body so as to deflect a substantially dome shaped resilient surface of a bellow located within the strike portion; providing an impact signal to the control unit, the impact signal being provided by a pressure switch which is configured to generate the impact signal when the surface of the bellow is deflected; and counting the received impact signals, the control unit being configured to determine a number of received impact signals and output a first tally to a display in communication with the control unit.
 29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the method further includes: actuating a user interface to provide a user input, the control unit being configured to receive the user input, and wherein the user input includes a selection of at least one of a time period, a number of impacts and a pre-determined routine.
 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the pre-determined routine includes a series of exercise periods and rest periods, and wherein the recording unit is configured to indicate the exercise period and rest period to the user via at least one of the display and an alarm.
 31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)
 33. (canceled)
 34. (canceled)
 35. (canceled)
 36. (canceled)
 37. (canceled) 